By Jake BOWMAN

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Words for all to live by and words that are specifically important to the athletes of the Special Olympics. These words are their oath and also serve as a foundation for the work that the organization has been doing since its inception in 1968.

When asked about the Special Olympics, many people would probably reference the flagship competition, the World Games. What most don’t know is that Special Olympic events are going on around the world constantly throughout the year. These events are opportunities for athletes to compete and grow with other athletes in their area.

On Saturday, April 13, the 2019 Special Olympic Glendale Spring Games will commence. One of the many events held year round, these games will showcase the hard work and dedication of 350 athletes and their 120 coaches who will take part in the regional event. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., athletes will compete in track and field, basketball and bocce. They have all been preparing for months, not only to compete for medals and ribbons, but to showcase their hard work and talent to their friends, family and community.

“They are all amazing and it is not possible to tell the story of just one or two of the athletes,” said Kim Villa, Glendale Local Program coordinator.

As head of the Glendale Local Program team, it is Villa’s job, along with 14 other community team members, to oversee these local events that will serve as qualifiers to grant athletes eligibility to compete at the Special Olympics Southern California Chapter Games on June 8-9.

“It’s going to be an intense, but rewarding, day of competition and if you are wondering how you can contribute the short answer is, just show up!” said Villa.

Over 275 volunteers, including 100 Crescenta Valley High School students, will be on-site assisting with the games. Though Villa said the need for volunteers had  pretty much been met, fans in the stands are still needed to cheer on the athletes.

It should be noted that recently the U.S. Dept. of Education proposed cutting federal funding to the Special Olympics. Though the majority of the non-profit’s funding comes from private donations, the Dept. of Education still provides a substantial amount each year. Due to public outcry and the overwhelming support of a majority of lawmakers, this proposed cut was abandoned. Lawmakers are now proposing a potential increase in funding for the organization for the fifth year consecutive year.

Attendance is free to the April 13 Special Olympics event at CV High School and, as Villa has said, fans in the stands are all that is needed to make the event perfect – for athletes and spectators.

For more information about the Special Olympics of Southern California, visit SOSC.org.

  Jake BOWMAN